15 Books That Met, Exceeded, or Failed Our ExpectationsIn this episode of The Plot With A Twist, we expand the viral TikTok/Instagram trend into a full discussion of five books that met their expectations, five that exceeded them, and five that fell short, across romance, fantasy, YA dystopian, dark romance, and monster/paranormal reads. We swap rapid-fire mini breakdowns and reactions to titles including Four Psychos, the Mindf*ck series, Iron Flame, Quicksilver, Serpent and the Wings of Night, Soulmatch, House of Earth and Blood, Trick, Meet Me in Dreamland, Sunrise on the Reaping, and more, plus disappointments like Hawke, Nero, Scythe & Sparrow, Caught Up, Deviant King, Daydream, The Atlas Paradox, and others. We also share our “Great Expectations” cocktail recipe and tease a next-episode review of Game On.00:00 Welcome and premise01:36 Trend setup and format02:34 Four Psychos recap05:39 Mindfck series revenge08:04 I Married a Lizard Man11:22 Iron Flame middle book14:38 Dragon romance fix17:41 Serpent and the Wings of Night21:02 Braving Fate older leads24:08 Soulmatch dystopian puzzle28:36 Greek myth villains31:53 Quicksilver hype check35:01 Exceeded expectations intro35:16 Onyx Storm surprises36:38 Bratva Bride mafia40:09 House of Earth and Blood45:04 Sinner and Scholar rage50:13 Trick jester romance54:39 Snared spider romance56:34 Spider Romance Recap59:46 Ravenhood Exodus01:03:29 Dramione Dreamland01:07:41 Hunger Games Sunrise01:14:43 Dark Romance Bad Bishop01:20:06 Books That Fell Short01:20:30 Hawk and Nero Critiques01:23:27 Scythe & Sparrow Disappointment01:27:50 Caught Up Letdown01:30:20 More Misses Roundup01:50:18 Cocktail: Great Expectations01:51:38 Wrap Up and Next Week

Fourth Wing Deep Dive Part 2 (Ch. 22–39) | Violet’s Power, Dragon Secrets, Resson Fallout + “Dragon Trace” Cocktail

In this episode we continue our complete breakdown of Fourth Wing by covering chapters 22–39 with spoilers for the entire Empyrean series. We pick up after Violet notices the battle brief lies and dig into Violet’s first channeling, her lightning signet, and the bond dynamics between riders, dragons, and power. We unpack Violet and Xaden’s escalating relationship, Dain’s role and choices, Jack’s fight and what his abilities suggest, and how marked and unmarked riders working together could mean they are unstoppable. We dive into Montserrat, Andarna’s time-stopping powers, the war games turning point, the Resson battle and its devastating losses, Violet’s ability to kill venin, and the Brennan reveal and its impact on trust. We also share our “Dragon Trace” cocktail recipe.

00:00 Welcome and Spoiler Warning

01:43 Merch Shirt and Banter

02:17 Markham and Hidden Truths

04:34 Violet Ready to Channel

07:32 Violet and Xaden Sparks Fly

10:53 Jack's Challenge and Liam Dilemma

13:17 Cunning Violet and Venin Jack

20:40 Ridoc Steps Up

23:07 Aetos and Feather Tail Secrets

25:48 Stealing the Map Squad Unity

28:18 Montserrat Powder Keg

32:33 War Games and Killing Jack

37:38 Dain Manipulated by Aetos

41:11 Spice Scene Relationship Tone

45:14 Adrian Versus Dmitri

47:14 Ring Drama Reunion

47:59 Liam Hints Brennan

52:23 Xaden Seen Clearly

54:48 Dain Knew Everything

58:59 Betrayals Break Trust

01:02:51 Liam's Death Hits

01:09:03 Fables Sky Power

01:14:14 Lightning Kills Venin

01:18:34 Brennan's Biggest Lie

01:25:49 Dragon Cocktail and Farewell

Fourth Wing Deep Dive (Ch. 1–21) | Reread Theories, Hidden Clues & Spoilers | The Plot With A Twist PodcastIn this spoiler-filled episode, we kick off a deep-dive reread of Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing (chapters 1–21) in preparation for book four, analyzing epigraphs, early breadcrumbs, and series-wide themes of rewritten history and buried truths. We discuss the framing of the story as a scribe’s “true” record, reassess General Lilith Sorrengail’s motives with later-book context, and unpack early hints about venin, dragons, and the secrecy around the Riders Quadrant. We talk signets and how rider identity shapes power, Xaden and Violet’s first meeting through the lens of his later-revealed abilities, Dain’s actions and memory-reading implications, funeral traditions as possible evidence control, and theories about the real nature of the long war with gryphon flyers.00:00 Intro00:31 Fourth Wing hype and reread plan01:34 Spoiler warning and episode scope02:43 Why this deep dive is huge03:53 The opening epigraph mystery07:36 Rethinking General Lilith Sorrengail11:24 Folklore book and hidden Venin17:37 Gods and divine parallels21:51 Unauthorized epigraphs and truth24:05 Xaden and Violet first meeting27:21 Parapet storm and Theophanie31:07 Dragon bond rule questioned34:09 Rare signets and power balance38:14 Rider vs. dragon signet theory43:04 Politics and rewritten history47:01 Marked ones and Violet backlash52:53 Imogen's hair and royal theory55:55 Imogen Parentage Theory57:45 Brennan Mending Clues01:00:12 Violet Senses Xaden01:03:04 Are Dragons Villains01:06:33 Naolin Venin Suspicion01:08:35 Burning The Dead01:12:46 Thresher Bonding Plot01:21:37 Dane Reread Reactions01:29:14 Intrinsics Death Sentence01:31:29 Amber Attack Turning Point01:38:43 600 Year War Theories01:47:20 Wrap Up And Next Part

SJM on Call Her Daddy: New ACOTAR Release Dates, Maasverse Hints, and Our Unfiltered Hot TakesIn this episode of The Plot With A Twist, we break down Sarah J. Maas’s interview on the ‪@callherdaddy‬ podcast, reacting to major revelations and sharing our opinions on SJM’s openness, marketing strategy, and writing process. We discuss her comments on mental health and how it connects to themes and characters like Nesta, debate sexism and the “smut” label in fantasy romance, and unpack double standards in how characters like Rhysand and Tamlin are judged. They also explore SJM’s thoughts on storytelling structure, adaptation prospects now that she has her rights back, and rapid-fire hints including Maasverse crossover teases. We also cover confirmed upcoming ACOTAR releases (Oct 27 and Jan 12 2026) and end with a themed cocktail recipe, “A Court of Spirits and Fae.”00:00 Welcome to Plot with a Twist00:29 SJM on Call Her Daddy02:07 First Impressions and Side Quests04:26 Channelling and Writing Process07:26 Marketing Genius and Release Hints09:07 Which Book Is Next13:22 Adaptation Rights and TV Hopes18:09 Mental Health and Nesta Parallels26:00 Women in Fantasy and Smut Stigma37:40 Rethinking Series Storytelling43:22 Rhys vs Tamlin Double Standards47:15 Tamlin Defense Case49:46 Trauma And Control52:03 Rhysand Double Standards53:31 Redemption Arc Debate55:58 Nesta Tells The Truth58:36 Elain Rejects The Bond01:03:54 Mor's Power Is Truth01:05:17 Next Books Predictions01:13:55 Rapid Fire Clues01:23:56 Final Wrap And Cocktail

Six-Star Reads: Our God-Tier Books + The “Off Your Rocker” Shot

In this episode we define what makes a “six star read” (vibes, plot, characters, worldbuilding, phenomenal writing, and a choke-hold can’t-put-it-down pull) and debate why these books are rare, whether six stars should be “given away,” and if series can earn an overall six-star rating. We share personal criteria—books that hit head and heart, change brain chemistry, or stay on the mind—and discuss rereading intricate favorites. Their six-star picks include The Hunger Games (with Sunrise on the Reaping singled out), Pride and Prejudice, A Court of Silver Flames, Wuthering Heights, Trick, Sunrise on the Reaping, The Ravenhood trilogy, The Power of One, The Empyrean Series (highlighting Onyx Storm), Why Mummy Drinks, Carnal Obsession, and Bad Bishop. They also feature a six-star cocktail shot, “Off Your Rocker,” with layered ingredients, whipped cream, and popping candy.

00:00 Podcast Intro and Premise

02:03 What Makes a Six Star

04:33 Why Six Stars Are Rare

06:48 Personal Six Star Criteria

09:59 Rereadable Favorites Debate

11:38 Should We Give Six Stars

15:41 Can a Series Be Six Star

19:06 Six Star Picks Begin

21:24 Hunger Games Deep Dive

23:54 ACOSF and Nesta Talk

27:21 Wuthering Heights Praise

29:05 Trick and Spicy Scenes

30:30 Yearning Done Right

32:50 Sunrise on the Reaping Heartbreak

34:41 Ravenhood Secrets

37:35 Power of One Impact

41:19 Empyrean Six Stars

46:21 Mum Life Comedy

50:31 Mafia Grief Romance

53:14 Morally Dark Obsession

58:05 Off Your Rocker Shot

01:00:43 Final Thanks Outro

Upcoming Book Events & Festivals (Australia, NZ, USA & UK/Europe) + Tips for First-Timers | The Plot With a TwistIn this episode of The Plot With A Twist, we share why book events feel magical—meeting authors and fellow readers, discovering special editions, cosplay, and memorable community moments—while also warning to expect overstimulation, long queues, and occasional poorly run venues. We swap do’s and don’ts like pre-ordering, bringing water, snacks, book plates, and a trolley or suitcase for hauling books, planning priority authors, and not being rude to authors or attendees (including respecting breaks and sold-out stock). We rounded up notable upcoming book festivals and signings across the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK/Europe, highlighting events like Wild Out West, Rare (Berlin/Florence), Apollycon, and others. To see more book event listings go to https://beventi.co/events or IngramSpark to find event details and make pre-orders. 00:00 Intro00:26 Why Book Events Rule02:15 Indie vs Trad Scenes03:43 Events We’ve Attended05:09 Best Parts of WOW06:52 Meeting Authors IRL08:21 Why They’re So Fun12:19 What to Expect There16:22 Event Wins and Flops19:35 Do's and Don’ts Guide29:23 USA Event Roundup34:43 More US Romance Events36:01 The Beventi Event Finder39:22 Shadows and Seduction Spotlight42:24 Australia and New Zealand Lineup50:34 Apollycon Details and Big Names56:09 Budgeting and Travel Tips58:43 UK and Europe Book Festivals01:04:12 Which Events We’re Attending01:08:02 Why Choose? Cocktail Recipe

Reading Slump? Tips to Get Out of It + Our “Slump Slayer” Cocktail (Books & Booze Podcast)In this episode of The Plot With a Twist, we chat about what a reading slump feels like, what causes it, and practical ways to get excited about books again—cocktail in hand. We talk about common triggers like overhyped reads that don’t deliver, book hangovers after an epic series, reading outside your mood, genre burnout (especially heavy or emotional books), overcommitting to ARCs and beta reads, being mentally stuck in a beloved fictional world, and the way social media/content pressure can suck the joy out of reading. We also cover how life stress, exhaustion, and even falling asleep mid-read or mid-audiobook can contribute. Our slump-busting tips include rereading a comfort favorite, trying a new or rarely-read genre, changing your reading style (paperback/Kindle/audio), and not forcing it. We share specific books and series that helped us recover (including Hunger Games, Fourth Wing, Harry Potter, Bewitched & Bewildered, Lights Out, Ruinous Love trilogy, Trick by Natalia Jaster, Hockey Gods, the Beautiful series by Christina Lauren, the “Why Mummy…” books by Jill Sims, Bishop by L.J. Shen, and Succubus Blues). We finish with our themed drink of the week: the “Slump Slayer,” made with Malibu, vanilla vodka, mango lemonade Celsius, and mango garnish.00:00 Welcome to The Plot With a Twist (Books & Booze Intro)00:30 That ‘Nothing Hits’ Feeling: What a Reading Slump Is02:15 Defining the Slump: Bored, Distracted & Doomscrolling04:17 Why Slumps Happen: Overhype, High Expectations & Forcing It06:56 Book Hangovers + Mood Reading + Genre Burnout09:24 Overcommitting to ARCs & Getting Stuck in a Series World11:44 Social Media Burnout: When Posting Sucks the Joy Out13:33 Slump Triggers & the ‘NRN’ Shelf (Not Right Now)15:48 How Long Slumps Last + Do All Readers Get Them?21:28 Outside Influences: Life Stress, Exhaustion & Falling Asleep Reading25:28 Tips to Get Out of a Slump: Re-read a Comfort Favorite26:30 Annotating Fourth Wing: tiny print, big plans29:20 Reading Slump Fixes: reread favorites, try a 6-star pick30:41 Switch It Up: new genres + changing your reading format34:33 Books That Broke the Slump: Hunger Games to Hockey Gods35:36 Comfort Re-reads & Indie Gems: Harry Potter, Bewitched & Bewildered38:53 Dark Romance Spotlight: Bishop (LJ Shen) & the chess-series confusion43:34 Cocktail Break: the “Slump Slayer” energy-drink recipe 47:08 Wrap-Up: where to follow + next week’s episode tease

Unveiling Our Favorite Romance Novels & CocktailsJoin us as we dive into the world of romance novels just in time for Valentine's Day! From discussing favorite love stories that have touched our hearts to listing the top romance subgenres and tropes, we've got the perfect book recommendations for you. We also talk about the intricacies of what makes a romance novel, and end the episode with a unique cocktail recipe to match those bookish vibes. Don't miss out!00:00 Intro00:26 Valentine's Day Romance Reads01:13 Tiny Microphone Troubles02:27 Defining Romance Novels03:58 Why We Love Romance Novels06:47 Favorite Romance Subgenres12:16 Classic Love Stories20:25 Personal Favorite Romances38:54 Discussing Audiobook Narrators39:43 Raven Hood Series by Kate Stewart41:05 Does It Hurt? by Michelle Sparks and Troy Duran43:19 Feirce Obsession by S. Mastery46:14 The Alliance Series48:13 Mind Fuck by ST Abby49:28 Vows and Lies Series52:49 Reverse by Kate Stewart54:52 Carnal Obsession by Kaya Carrington Russell58:19 Captive Audience by Julie Weaver01:02:30 Books on Our TBR List01:18:40 Valentine's Day Cocktail Recipe, It's Always ILY

Join us as we divulge our most anticipated book releases for 2026, month by month. We discuss a variety of upcoming titles across different genres and offer our thoughts on each one. In this special episode, we also share our favorite cocktail recipes and holiday drink plans. As we reflect on the past year, we want to thank each and every one of our listeners. We will be taking a brief hiatus until late January 2026 but stay tuned for Season 3!00:00 Intro00:30 Reflecting on the Past Year02:15 Anticipated Book Releases for January08:32 Anticipated Book Releases for February13:32 Anticipated Book Releases for March23:13 Anticipated Book Releases for April25:09 April Book Releases26:53 May Book Releases30:27 June Book Releases32:14 July Book Releases34:27 August Book Releases37:20 September Book Releases38:21 October Book Releases39:06 November Book Releases40:06 December Book Releases41:22 Favorite Cocktails and New Year's Plans47:24 Thank You and See You Next Year!

Badass FMCs: Crafting the Ultimate Leading LadyJoin us as we dive into the world of female main characters (FMCs) that embody strength, independence, and badassery across various genres. We discuss the traits that make a great FMC, share our favorite leading ladies, and even craft their ideal FMC from scratch. We also introduce a new cocktail recipe to complement these powerful heroines, a TPWAT original. Tune in for a fun-filled discussion about books, character development, and embracing female empowerment.00:00 Introduction 00:27 Celebrating Female Main Characters (FMCs)01:10 Building the Ultimate Leading Lady01:40 Holiday Season and Podcast Updates02:13 Traits of a Good FMC03:01 Empowerment and Realism in FMCs03:36 Growth and Development of FMCs04:45 Resonance of FMCs with Female Readers06:15 Historical Context and Feminism07:03 Personal Connections to FMCs08:14 Favorite FMCs and Their Traits10:57 Influence of FMCs on Young Women14:52 Discussion on Specific FMCs38:26 A Hilarious Encounter39:26 Divergent's Tris Pryor41:59 Sloane from Butcher & Blackbird44:18 Rose from Scythe & Sparrow46:20 Elizabeth Bennett's Subtle Strength47:37 Briar from Trick48:48 Nesta's Unapologetic Attitude54:20 Building Our Ideal FMC01:09:44 Creating the Perfect FMC Cocktail01:12:50 Wrapping Up and Thank You